Bayern Strikes
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Bayern Munich face a tricky test against FC Schalke on matchday four

ByKiran Thakare|
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 10: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Schalke 04 at Allianz Arena on February 10, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 10: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and FC Schalke 04 at Allianz Arena on February 10, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich travel to the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday to face last year’s Bundesliga runners-up FC Schalke 04.

The Bavarians kicked off their Champions League campaign Wednesday by clinching a 2-0 win over Benfica. Bayern Munich will now turn their attention back to the Bundesliga, as games are coming in thick and fast. The Rekordmeister are set to play their second away game of the domestic campaign against Schalke on Saturday.

Bayern Munich came from behind to clinch a comfortable 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, making it three wins out of three to begin the new Bundesliga season. They currently lead the German table by two points.

The Bayern players are slowly getting accustomed to Niko Kovac’s methods. Kovac has enjoyed a perfect record as Bayern manager so far, and he will be keen on extending it further against Schalke.

On the other hand, it has been a poor start for Schalke after a promising Bundesliga season last time around. The Blues suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend and are sitting at 17th position in the Bundesliga with only goal differential keeping them from the bottom.

Team News

Bayern Munich will have the same players available that traveled to Portugal on Tuesday. Thiago Alcantara missed the game against Benfica due to a minor injury but has completely recovered from this knock and is ready to play against Schalke.

Rafinha is set to miss out on this game after suffering an ankle injury last weekend. Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso are the long term absentees for Bayern Munich, with the former out for the remainder of 2018 and the latter for even longer.

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Predicted XI

Niko Kovac will bring back his key players into the starting XI against Schalke. Manuel Neuer will keep his place in the starting eleven, as Sven Ulreich will have to keep waiting for a start this season. Niklas Sule will be back in the starting lineup, partnering Mats Hummels in central defense. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba will get no rest, as Bayern currently have no other fit full-backs.

Thiago Alcantara delivered a sublime performance in holding midfield against Bayer Leverkusen, as he has all throughout the season. The Spaniard will play in this role against Schalke ahead of his compatriot, Javi Martinez. Kovac confirmed in his press conference that Leon Goretzka is set to start against his former club. Thomas Muller, meanwhile, will complete the midfield trio.

Robert Lewandowski is not going to get rest anytime soon and will lead the line for Bayern Munich against Schalke. The Polish striker found the net against Benfica and will be hoping to continue his scoring form. Serge Gnabry will be back in the lineup and start on the left flank while Arjen Robben will play on the right side of the attack.

"NeuerKimmich – Sule – Hummels – AlabaThiago – GoretzkaRobben – Muller – GnabryLewandowski"

Opposition Focus

Schalke impressed everyone last season as they finished runners-up in the Bundesliga. However, they have endured a terrible start to the new campaign, losing all three of their league games. A big match against Bayern Munich in front of their home fans would give Schalke the perfect opportunity to get their season back on track.

Domenico Tedesco is considered one of the most promising managers in Europe. The Italian will be hoping to deliver a tactical masterclass against the defending champions to get a positive result. Bayern Munich have to keep a close eye on Breel Embolo and Yevhen Konoplyanka, as this duo can be devastating in the final third. Sebastian Rudy will be also eager to deliver a commanding performance against his former club.

Prediction

Schalke 0-2 Bayern Munich

Schalke have been struggling in the Bundesliga this season, while Bayern Munich have won all their games. The Bavarians will deliver a professional performance on Saturday and come back home with all three points.